Overview

Verification Assistance Briefs (VABs) are resources to assist applicants in obtaining VA Verification for the Veterans First Contracting Program. VABs are based on analysis of issues that cause the majority of verification denials and clarify rules associated with 38 CFR Part 74.

Ownership

Understanding Surviving Spouse Ownership Requirements

This brief defines who qualifies as a surviving spouse and discusses the requirements for a surviving spouse to hold an ownership interest in a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Download
Created: March 2018

Understanding Community Property and Veteran Ownership

This brief defines community property and how it is used to determine Veteran ownership. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: June 2016

Proving Veteran Business Owners Are Entitled to Receive 51 percent of Annual Distribution

This brief explains the verification requirement that Veteran business owners must provide evidence of entitlement to receive at least 51 percent of the annual distribution of corporation, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC) profits. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Proving Veteran Possesses 51 Percent Direct Ownership

This brief explains the verification requirement that Veterans must own at least 51 percent of the applicant directly. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Understanding Verification Requirements for Applicants Owned Through Trusts

This brief explains how an applicant can be eligible for verification if a Veteran owns the concern through a trust. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: January 2013

Understanding Unconditional Ownership and Transfer Restrictions

This brief defines unconditional ownership and discusses ownership transfers by an applicant that are not considered impermissible conditions on ownership. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Control

Demonstrating Control of a Limited Liability Company

This brief explains the verification requirement that Veteran business owners demonstrate control over a limited liability company (LLC). Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Determining Board Governance and Control

This brief discusses the verification requirement concerning control of boards of directors. Download
Updated: May 2017 | Created: November 2015

Determining Dependence on Non-Veterans or Non-Veteran Entities

This brief discusses dependent relationships with non-Veterans or non-Veteran entities that may affect a determination of eligibility for applicants. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Determining Full-Time Control

This brief explains the full-time control requirement when the Veteran owner has employment outside of the applicant or participant.
Download
Updated: May 2017 | Created: March 2015

Establishing Veteran Ownership and Control After a Transfer of Ownership or Control by a Family Member

This brief explains the eligibility of an applicant for the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) Verification Program following a transfer by a non-Veteran of majority ownership or control, within two years prior to applying for verification, to an immediate family member who is a Veteran or Service-Disabled Veteran when the non-Veteran remains involved as a stockholder, officer, director, or key employee. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Proving Veteran Business Owners Have Necessary Managerial Experience

This brief explains the verification requirement that Veteran business owners possess the necessary managerial experience to the extent and complexity needed to run the applicant. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Proving Veteran Business Owner Holds Highest Officer Position

This brief explains the verification requirement that the applicant must provide current documentation that the Veteran business owner is the applicant’s highest officer. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Proving Veteran Business Owner is Highest Compensated Employee

This brief explains the verification requirement that a Veteran or Service-Disabled Veteran business owner must be compensated in an amount equal to or higher than any non-Veteran director, officer, or employee of the business. If a Veteran owner is not the highest compensated, the applicant must explain how the Veteran taking lower compensation benefits the concern. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Understanding Control of Strategic Policy and Day-to-Day Operations

This brief explains what it means for Veteran business owners to control strategic policy setting and day-to-day operations in accordance with 38 CFR Part 74. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Small Business Criteria

Meeting the Small Business Classification as Defined by the Small Business Administration

This brief explains the verification requirement that an applicant provide documentation that it meets the classification of a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015

Understanding Joint Venture and Mentor-Protégé Agreement Eligibility

This brief explains the criteria that make a joint venture eligible for verification and inclusion in the VetBiz Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database. Download
Created: May 2017

Understanding an Operating Agreement and Its Amendments

This brief explains the function of the operating agreement, how it is used during the verification process, and how it is amended. Download
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015